stu
New member
The mountain gods smiled on us again Sunday, but those smiles turned to icy frowns before we were through. We camped at Russell Pond, off the Tripoli Road sat. nite. Sunday morning found us tramping up the Livermore Trail which is really like a walk in the park. I used the time to "play" with my new gps and enjoy the relaxed company of my sons. The weather was mostly cloudy with the summits in and out of the clouds. Perfect weather for climbing in the White Mts. Now and again the sun would make a brief appearance, although there were some ominous dark clouds hanging around and we did hear some distant thunder-boomers. We were headed for the North Slide and the weather would decide how far we would be able to go. I did'nt want to get caught in an exposed spot in a lightning storm.
We climbed the North Slide successfully, and I have to say that this was clearly the steepest, most exposed climb I have ever done. I would reccomend it do everyone as long as the weather is good. You definitely do not want to try this in wet or icy conditions. Also I concur with the standard wisdom of going up the north and down the south slides when doing the loop.
We traversed to Middle peak and had lunch. At this point it was pretty dark and you could see heavy rain falling from the clouds in the distance.
Over to South Peak we went. Now the fun begins! First loud thunder and then lightning nearby. We grab our packs and start down the steep, gravel strewn slope. It starts to hail almost at the instant we stepped out on-to the open slide. We had no choice but to continue at this point. Then the sky opens up with torrential marble-size hail and lightning bolts. We were soaked and cold in seconds. Stopped to put on rain-gear as quickly as we could, and then continued to plunge-step down the loose slide. The addition of marble size hail to the already unstable footing made for a difficult descent. I have to wonder what keeps all that loose gravel from sliding off the slope. It really felt like it could go at any time.
Finally we made it into the safety of the trees and continued the long trek back to the trailhead, not making any effort to avoid the water hazards as we were thoroughly soaked to the skin. Moral of the story, when things start to seem too easy, the mountains can quickly turn things around and remind us of the power of mother nature.
We climbed the North Slide successfully, and I have to say that this was clearly the steepest, most exposed climb I have ever done. I would reccomend it do everyone as long as the weather is good. You definitely do not want to try this in wet or icy conditions. Also I concur with the standard wisdom of going up the north and down the south slides when doing the loop.
We traversed to Middle peak and had lunch. At this point it was pretty dark and you could see heavy rain falling from the clouds in the distance.
Over to South Peak we went. Now the fun begins! First loud thunder and then lightning nearby. We grab our packs and start down the steep, gravel strewn slope. It starts to hail almost at the instant we stepped out on-to the open slide. We had no choice but to continue at this point. Then the sky opens up with torrential marble-size hail and lightning bolts. We were soaked and cold in seconds. Stopped to put on rain-gear as quickly as we could, and then continued to plunge-step down the loose slide. The addition of marble size hail to the already unstable footing made for a difficult descent. I have to wonder what keeps all that loose gravel from sliding off the slope. It really felt like it could go at any time.
Finally we made it into the safety of the trees and continued the long trek back to the trailhead, not making any effort to avoid the water hazards as we were thoroughly soaked to the skin. Moral of the story, when things start to seem too easy, the mountains can quickly turn things around and remind us of the power of mother nature.
